Neurocognitive impairment as a result of gamma knife radiosurgery has not been well studied and is poorly understood. Radiosurgery to the base of skull for the treatment of benign and malignant disorders may consequently impair memory function. There is a need to evaluate changes in memory function that may be associated with such exposures.

In this pilot study, we will investigate changes in hippocampal-dependent memory function in 10 patients receiving a low SRS dose to the hippocampus. We will also investigate such changes in a no-dose control group and a high-dose control group. This study will provide preliminary estimates of variance in memory changes associated with radiation exposure, and will then permit us to design future studies with the appropriate sample size justification.

Non-English speaking, which will potentially make memory testing difficult and unreliable.

Other medical conditions deemed by the PI or associates to make the patient ineligible for protocol procedures

Patients on steroid medications.

Left hand dominant patients

Dose exposure to left hippocampus >0.5Gy and <2Gy. We will attempt to estimate dose to hippocampus prior to enrollment using pre-planning on diagnostic imaging to minimize exclusion of patients due to dose exposure >0.5 Gy and < 2Gy following baseline memory testing.

Benzodiazepine or narcotics given on the day of radiotherapy/radiosurgery prior to completion of the study procedures

Previous brain surgery within one year prior to radiosurgery

Pregnant women

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00603694